President Joe Biden addressed Morehouse College graduates during his commencement speech, acknowledging the protests over the Israel-Hamas war and expressing support for peaceful nonviolent protest. He recognized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for an immediate cease-fire to stop the fighting. The president’s speech also touched on American democracy, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial inequality, particularly for Black communities. Biden’s outreach to Black constituents comes as his support among these voters has softened since the 2020 election.
The speech at Morehouse College, along with another planned in Detroit, is part of Biden’s efforts to engage with Black voters, who will be crucial in the upcoming election. He condemned Donald Trump’s rhetoric on immigrants and highlighted the challenges facing the class of 2024, who started college during the pandemic and amid national unrest following George Floyd’s murder. Biden discussed the need for democracy to work for everyone, especially in the face of ongoing racial injustices and systemic barriers that impact Black communities.
Protests over the Israel-Hamas war have sparked controversy on American campuses, with some institutions canceling commencement ceremonies in response. At Morehouse College, there was initial backlash against Biden’s invitation due to concerns about his handling of the conflict. However, the event proceeded without major disruptions, though some graduates and attendees expressed dissent by turning their backs, displaying Palestinian flags, and carrying signs calling for a ceasefire. Biden acknowledged the suffering on both sides of the conflict and called for peace.
Amidst the graduation ceremony, Morehouse’s valedictorian addressed the war in Gaza, advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire as a moral imperative. Biden listened to the speech and shook the student’s hand afterward, showing a willingness to engage with differing viewpoints. The college awarded Biden an honorary degree, with chants of “four more years” breaking out in the audience, reflecting divided opinions among attendees. Biden’s visit to Detroit for an NAACP dinner further solidifies his outreach to Black voters, a key demographic for his reelection campaign.
Biden’s interactions with various Black community leaders, including participants in historical civil rights events and Black fraternity/sorority members, demonstrate his commitment to engaging with diverse voices. His visit to Detroit, a historically Democratic stronghold with a large Arab American population, presents an opportunity for him to address a wide range of constituents. The planned protests in response to Biden’s visit indicate the diverse opinions within these communities and the importance of engaging with all perspectives in the political landscape.
As Biden navigates the challenges of his presidency and prepares for the upcoming election, his outreach to Black voters and other key demographics will shape his campaign strategy. By addressing issues such as racial injustice, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and economic disparities, Biden aims to appeal to a wide range of constituents. The events at Morehouse College and in Detroit underscore the complexities of engaging with diverse communities and the need to address their concerns in a meaningful way.
